Your oral health is essential to longevity and a good quality of life. Many adults would agree, however, developing positive oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. If your child’s teeth and gums aren’t healthy at the early stages of their life, this could easily manifest into bigger health problems down the road. Kimbrough Orthodontics, located in Kingwood, TX, encourages parents to take action now and learn the best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam in order to preserve your youngster’s health and pretty smile during their developmental years.

Maintaining quality oral care habits sometimes goes far beyond consulting a dentist. As they get older, it becomes obvious that many children need the help of a specialist to ensure their teeth remain in good shape. A qualified Orthodontist, like Dr. Bill Kimbrough, can identify irregularities in the teeth, jaws and face, as well as offer corrective treatment that best fit your little one’s oral needs.

It’s important to seek an orthodontist for your child when his or her permanent teeth are starting to grow in. This age varies since every child is different. Most orthodontic exams and treatments begin for kids around age 7 and should definitely occur no later than 9 years of age.

Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist at an Early Age?

The best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam is when his or her jaw and face begins developing as their adult teeth start coming in. Holding off on orthodontic treatment can ultimately cause crooked teeth and spaces in the mouth to disfigure a child’s face. By the time he or she is past adolescence, their bones have already set in place. While it’s not impossible to seek orthodontic care after this time, it’s certainly more difficult to bring the muscles and teeth into harmony with the rest of the face.

Dr. Kimbrough will initially assess your child’s needs during the first consultation. Concerns such as crowding, large spacing, problematic facial growth and bad habits, (such as thumb-sucking, cheek-biting, or tongue-thrusting) are taken into consideration. Afterwards, it’s easier to determine your child’s individualized treatment plan. If braces or retainers aren’t needed, your child will at least receive instructions on how to better preserve their teeth’s appearance.

The Benefits:

•A beautiful smile!

•Proper tooth alignment

• Comfortable eating and digestive habits

• Easier time breathing and sleeping

• Improvement in speech

• Healthy self-esteem

The best time for your child’s first orthodontic exam remains a crucial factor in their development. Teach your child the benefits of early orthodontic care to avoid issues that can hinder their well-being later in life. For more information, call the office of Dr. Kimbrough at (281) 358-8551 or visit our website at: www.kimbroughortho.com. Our office is located at: 1542 Green Oak Place, Kingwood, TX 77339.